Jane and Bingley (Countdown to Christmas Book 8) Read Online Free PDF Page A

would leave her again, when everything he was doing now should prove that he wanted her and wanted a future with her?
    What if she wasn’t worth it? What if she was never meant to hold her own against a rising star in the business world? What was she, after all, but an elementary school librarian? Nothing of importance. Just a girl who gave up her dreams to help her Aunt Phyllis. Not that she regretted it—of course not. To see the children’s eyes flash once she got them hooked on reading was worth every lost opportunity with her chosen profession.
     
    When she woke up the next morning, Jane rummaged through her closet and couldn’t come up with anything remotely resembling an evening gown. The closest thing she could find was the dress she wore for Eliza’s wedding, but it wasn’t long enough. It only came to her knees. Besides, she wanted something splashy. Something pretty and elegant, but flattering, too.
    After a few hurried texts where she confirmed Charles wouldn’t be showing up until six that night, she grabbed her purse and her sister’s extra key and headed over to Eliza’s house. She was supposed to be watering the plants and bringing in the mail anyway. She’d bet a hundred dollars her sister had the perfect dress hanging unused in her closet.
    Eliza really had to ramp up her wardrobe when she began working with Will. The two sisters had spent countless hours at the mall and online ordering outfits that could travel easily and still be stunning enough to go to cocktail parties and fancy dinners and upscale business meetings. After Eliza had chewed Will out over his lacking wardrobe, the two sisters knew she’d never hear the end of it if she didn’t absolutely rock everything she wore.
    As Jane pushed open the front door, there was only a slight feeling of unease. Just that little knowledge that you’re all alone in a place. She set the mail on top of a pink notebook on the table nearest the couch and then quickly headed into the bedroom. There were a few boxes around, but no serious packing had been done yet. Eliza still had two months left on the lease, so she had planned to move into Will’s holy-amazing mansion slowly.
    Jane sifted through several dresses. It looked like Eliza had taken all of the really pretty ones for her honeymoon, which was totally understandable. Jane was about to go ahead and wear her silver one from the wedding after all, when she caught a faint glitter from the back. Hidden behind some jackets was a plastic-wrapped gown. It was a chic black color, and attached to the plastic was a note that read, “For Jane. Merry Christmas.”
    “What?” Jane blinked. “Are you kidding me?” Didn’t they already exchange gifts? She thought of the pearl earrings and matching bracelet she’d given Eliza right before the wedding, but she couldn’t recall what Eliza had given her. In all the frazzled preparations, did she forget?
    Jane whisked the plastic off the dress and found a beautifully laced and beaded mermaid gown. It was floor length and gorgeous. Two pretty capped sleeves accented the top, though it was the gold, maroon, and white floral brooch that was pinned at the waist that really set off the gown. It was almost bridal in design, except in sophisticated black. Had Eliza known she would need this exact dress?
    There was no way. Even Charles didn’t realize he was planning the twelve days of Christmas until now. After holding the dress up and twirling around in front of the mirror, she headed home to try it on and get ready.
    All day, she primped and pampered herself until she literally glowed when Charles knocked on the door.
    “Wow! You look beautiful.” His wide eyes and smile was all the compliment she needed.
    “Wow yourself. A tux? You didn’t even wear a tux to the wedding.” What was it about a man in a well-tailored tux that could take your breath away?
    “Don’t you like it?”
    “Definitely,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound too eager. Clearing